New Mexico had the fourth highest suicide rate and the fifth highest divorce rate.

To determine where Americans have the highest life satisfaction, the personal-finance website compared the 50 states across 28 key indicators of happiness. The data set ranges from emotional health to income level to sports participation rate.

New Mexico had the fourth highest suicide rate and the fifth highest divorce rate, so it’s no surprise the state received a score of 34 in “Emotional and Physical Well-Being”. Utah had the lowest separation and divorce rate (16 percent) while Nevada had the highest (26 percent).

Additional metrics were the illness and disability index, life expectancy, suicide rate, food-insecurity rate, adequate sleep rate, and the share of adult depression. Hawaii had the lowest share of adult depression (11 percent), 2.3 times lower than Oregon, which had the highest at 27 percent. New York had the fewest suicides (per 100,000 residents), eight, which is 3.5 times fewer than in Wyoming, which has the most at 28.

New Mexico ranked 45 out of 50 in its “Work Environment” score, likely for having the highest long-term unemployment rate at 44.9 percent. North Dakota had the lowest long-term unemployment rate at 13 percent, which is 3.4 times lower than New Mexico. Other contributing factors were commute time, number of work hours, income level, job security and satisfaction, and median credit score.

The state scored 39 in the category of “Community and Environment”, which was determined by the volunteer rate, ideal weather and the average amount of leisure time spent per day. Utah had the highest volunteer rate, 2.1 times higher than Florida, where the rate is lowest.

Albuquerque’s definitive alternative newspaper publishing an inquisitive, modern approach to the news and entertainment stories that matter most to New Mexicans. ABQ Free Press’ fresh voice speaks to insightful and involved professionals who care deeply about our community.

Albuquerque’s definitive alternative newspaper publishing an inquisitive, modern approach to the news and entertainment stories that matter most to New Mexicans. ABQ Free Press’ fresh voice speaks to insightful and involved professionals who care deeply about our community.